Shane Koyczan, "The Crickets Have Arthritis," Words Aloud 2007, Canada

Shane Koyczan performs at the Words Aloud 4 Spoken Word Festival in Durham, Ontario, Canada, November 2007. DVDs of Words Aloud performances and interviews available at www.wordsaloud.ca Check out Words Aloud Documentary Facebook page, including Shane Koyczan: tinyurl.com/y3sdc8e. Learn more about Shane Koyczan at Exploring Contemporary Canadian Voices: the Spoken Word, www.wordsaloud.ca/studyguide

[@Dakukobura]

Every time I listen to this I find something I never did before. Shotgun shells, tie tacks, cuff links.. his parents were trying to give him his adulthood because he would never experience it. Makes me tear up every time.

[@MrFelco]

Hmm. Good spot

[@raycielayne90]

Hits me in the gut every time. I always hear something new as well. No matter how many times I hear this, It will always touch the deepest parts of me.

[@itsjustarainyday]

and that weird girl because he wants to bully and get bullied. becuase the closest woman in his life is his sister. and he wont get to poke at girls that he thinks are cute

[@sadak5472]

The worst part about being sick is you get all the Ice cream you want but the worst part about that is that's all they can do for you .... It's like someone has just stabbed a spear through my heart and I'm trying to breath but I can't because i'm filled with tears and chocking up.

[@katherinearmstrong2300]

Sadak Hassan in other versions he added the worst part about be sick, is you get all the free ice cream in the and the worst part about that, is realizing that there is nothing more that they can do for you, he says ICE CREAM CANT MAKE EVERYTHING OK" 😭😭😭😭

[@hannahmccarthy9316]

I just burst into tears when he said Lewis handed me a feather, I half expected him to say see this is the first one I grew. That's was beautiful.

[@elijahpele8655]

I didin't understand this line. Could you explain it?

[@willbrasil19]

Elijah Owls Twice during the poem, Shane states that he doesn't believe in angels. The traditional description of an angel is with wings, covered in feathers. So, when Lewis says that "this is the first one I grew"....he is telling Shane that he is becoming an angel. Beautiful.

[@TheDrunkenPupil]

willbrasil19 thanks for explaining, i was confused too

[@willsander100]

fucking go make me a sandwhich bitch

[@philguest3716]

That's not the full explanation, he says "i half expected him to say"... so Lewis didn't say that. Shane see's him as an angel because of how incredible he is dealing with his illness when Shane is smoking and taking life for granted

[@JoshuaGroseTech]

Reddit sent me here! I haven't cried in years, and never have I cried like this for poetry. I wasn't 9 but I had cancer at 21 and made it out - but it's so sad and unfair that every day there are so many who never lived that won't, and here I am worrying about my petty ass selfish problems. Can't wait to watch/hear more from him.

[@willsander100]

REKTD

[@skallytheman5489]

Hands down the best spoken word poetry I have ever heard. Absolutely mind blowing empathy, every word regardless of the tone Shane speaks in carry so much gravitas it's truly humbling. Generally people tend to over use superlatives but that was (by dictionary definition)....exceptional. Thank you so very very much Mr Koyczan.

[@AdmiralCucumber]

I don't think anyone else has a way with words quite like he does. He hits a nerve deep down in every single one of his poems. He is a true inspiration.

[@isaackemp2151]

In each of his works of art is a certain kind of beauty that goes unrivaled. I am grateful for that.

[@jessicawinkler9791]

I listened to "To this day" by him and i honestly never thought he would look like this and that is the beautiful part of life. You build this image in your head by the words that are spoken from them. Obviously beauty comes from the inside. Your face is just your shell.

[@fellowslave4175]

Jessica Winkler u just very politely, called him ugly

[@britneylamberson7224]

I was showed this poem in my English II class and I almost cried, it is a story within a poem, an amazingly sad story, but it shows that a few of us in this world still have bravery, even if its from a 9 year old boy

[@98lissie98]

His words are so beautiful, so inspiring that it moves you to tears and that teaches you to love yourself, to be grateful and to appreciate what has been given to us. I loved his poem "To this day" and i just cant stop listening to him. This is the first day i listened to him and heard of him in class today and i can honestly say that his poems move me to tears. He is such a beautiful person and truly inspiring

[@raddisonbae]

The ending gave me goosebumps.

[@OutLoudOutLoud]

the lady wiping tears from her eyes at the end just brings it home. I can't imagine what she knows.

[@toyjams]

I cannot describe the beauty of his words... I am a man, and I could not help myself from tearing up.... Absolutely beautiful.

[@dpmcdonald314]

Goddamn, that last line gets me every. fucking. time. And the audience even lets out an audible gasp. Like, we've all been gut-punched.

[@emilygaxiola6740]

David McDonald do you mind explaining more on what that last line meant I'm sorry

[@AyyZeez]

Angels have wings, he gave him a feather. you do the rest.

[@Marialisa101]

I listen to Shane on repeat over and over. this makes me cry every time.

[@lisst17]

I'm a 14 yr old aspiring poet...and have never been moved as much as I have from this man.. There are no words to describe him..wow..

[@Chrissie315]

He makes me laugh and cry at the same time..Your a Genius Shane I appreciate you;;;;.

[@blakcat170]

Maybe I cried, because I once was a five year old dying in a hospital. My older sister was listening to this. She cried. She actually looks up to her younger sibling. You speak words man Words I couldn't describe for half my life.

[@alexduran5605]

I've just gone searching for all videos related to this guy. And before his mouth even speaks I hit the like button because I know its gonna be moving and great.

[@tohellwithpurplepeop]

i am a big burly dude. this guy makes me cry - almost every time i listen to him do almost anything he does. i was lucky enough to be introduced to him through Dan Mangan.. and all I can do is thank Mr. Mangan for having the brilliant opportunity to work with this guy - he has the balls to say the things many of us think.. and he makes it pretty. thanks dan, and thanks most of all, to shane.

[@TheCrazyAwesome2]

".. the worst part about being sick is that you get all the free icecream you ask for. And the worst part about that is realizing theres nothing more they can do for you.." I wasn't even tearing up untill then but that made me just cry. LOVE shane's poetry

[@emilyinpeinwithout]

theres so much emotion in his voice it makes me cry like a little baby

[@sleepyzebra11]

I think that it's important to realize that dying does not make one inherently more enlightened, and that dying kids are very much like other kids... but this was so beautifully put and I loved it and I cried

[@ErwingLahh]

This guy's story feels aggressively formulated while the video before this felt from the heart

[@LiveLoveLearn2111]

shane koyczan you've got a gift the whole world needs

[@SullenGoldfish]

I can't watch this without crying...

[@KiwiHiwi]

I've spoken english my entire life, yet I didn't know words could be put together the way he does.. and even though comprehending it is a mental process, I feel something in my body physically clutching itself every time I hear this. I'm speechless.

[@ksfairytale]

He is an amazing poet! I have no idea how he memorizes all of these and then presents them so well! Every time i watch this i go speechless.

[@jeff2306]

I am in awe at how eloquent people can be. I've never been spoken to this way. Nevermind the subject matter, I'm going to go listen to some audio books. How many of you know someone who can speak like this, whether in conversation or a recital? This is amazing.

[@antiokloodun]

I would have never seen this video without that challenge. People that will see it as a challenge and never think again of it, wouldn't have liked it anyway. But this is one of the most important videos i've ever seen and people that find it like me, will be forever grateful, no matter how we find it.

[@snorkelandmask]

this goes to show that in the end, appearance doesn't matter. he's an absolutely beautiful human being with a spectacular gift and an equally spectacular heart

[@autumnlange6014]

You, Shane Koyczan, are the most inspiring man I have ever heard besides my own father. For every one who did not get the full message in this video, watch it again until you do. And when you do, just sit and think. Why does he mean by the crickets have authritis? It means, that we can't hear the melody of the good times that the crickets chirp. So if we listen harder, and get past the past and live in the now, they just might get cured and we can hear that music once again.

[@77NiteWalker]

This tells you just how amazing some people can be. It doesn't matter how old you are, you can always find inspiration in someone else. Even if they're so much younger than you

[@chrisjones5551]

Yes, I notice how many dislike this video. It is sad that there are many people who are in so much that pain there is no room for this heartfelt story in thier world. I am warmed by the number of those who did like it. 100 to 1. There is hope for us and it is 100 to 1.

[@chandlerjepsen5076]

how can anyone dislike this? im 17 and havent cried in 7 years and this shit makes me want to cry

[@christopherawesome]

I watched them all, cried to most... but came back to this one again because it's the most beautiful.

[@walterwhite-wj3vy]

This guy is amazing.. Talk about talent!

[@happy_labs]

Coming back here the day Chadwick Boseman died of cancer, after hearing about the work he did with terminal children. It's been many years since I first saw this performance, but Shane's poem really stuck with me and I come back here for catharsis whenever cancer rears its ugly head. "There's not enough miracles to go around, kid". Such hard words.

[@Mist3rLemon]

im crying like a baby through all 19 of these and not even caring about the challenge

[@WulframII]

The day I found myself clicking the replay button on poetry... Astonishing.

[@shitcockballsdick]

unbelievably breath-taking. the last line set me to tears

[@raycielayne90]

The end, man..... the end hits me like a brick wall everytime. Throughout the whole piece, I'm able to listen and be calm.... but the end comes "see, this is the first one I grew." And every single time I start bawling. It completely and utterly amazes me just how much mere words can change the way you feel in a heartbeat. It's the most amazing and awe inspiring thing ever if you think about it. As humans we are capable of creating beauty on paper and in the air as we speak or sing. But sadly we are getting farther and father away from wanting to be well spoken creatures and now just opt for convenience. Hurts my heart.

[@jessekilgore]

What a wonderful observation. Louis lives on forever in words, now.

[@robingautron847]

i have listen to this about 50 times and cry like i am just hearing it for the first time

[@Cmac787]

i listened to this album 20 times while driving down the pacific coast highways last summer. Awsome

[@joriks87]

Mr Shane Koyczan gives me goosebumps and makes me want to cry for every bad thing i've ever done. MMT

[@catherinedonnelly1924]

I never tire of seeing this poem performed. Uber love it!

[@neotheone7923]

Catatonic Hotaling hope you are still listening to this and still enjoying like you did years ago

[@kaylamelton3]

Who in their right mind you dislike this. Heartless people...

[@referralsonly]

I have watched this over 20 times today. I want to share a "comment" I got nothin,, But THANK YOU SHANE. for sharing on the outside what u feel on the inside. Peace K.L. STEVES

[@ChaoticRain1]

He is the going to be insanely famous literally overnight. You deserve every bit of the fame you're going to get, Shane. Truly a Canadian treasure!

[@smbarone2000]

Shane's speeches and poetry are powerful pieces. There's a story he weaves through a melody with discordant notes that in the end is the truth he gleaned from the moment. I wish he knew the God he speaks about from a distance. That same God gave him a wonderful gift. Shane is blessed with the power of helping reach so many hurting people. I'm one of them. Keep sharing your light.

[@romeobleeding]

Incredible...just incredible. Thank you, Shane for being such an amazing speaker and sharing your gift with the world. I wish more people could watch this video and appreciate it for for what it is...beautiful and emotional.

[@cromanmusic]

not sure if I enjoyed his performance, but it is very obvious that this has changed his life, and his passion is really something to be admired

[@billpeart]

THIS is truly the most touching thing I have experienced in awhile.

[@rorywhyte6722]

There is something truly humbling about this. Thank you.

[@greendrakkoman]

As the father of a boy who could have been Louis I applaud you. In fact, I give you a standing ovation and a hug. You have captured something magnificent in your words. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@Jeddersfield]

I could listen to his voice all day

[@AnthonySimons]

I very much wish I could speak like this Shane Koyczan. To be able to put that much emotion into telling a story and not shortcutting it...a skill I will likely never have.

[@flugelhorner]

Wow this man has a gift. Modern poetry at its finest.

[@neotheone7923]

2 years later and this still moves me

[@jakkkob]

The shape of the stigmatized. The mind of a poet. The articulation of a leader. - Inspiring.

[@ToastyMcMarshmallow]

I don't think I'll ever get through one of Shane's videos without having to clench my jaw to keep from crying out loud.

[@Slicethethroat11]

I look up to Shane so much an I only wish to be as amazing as he is. I write like this an only wish to perform it in front of a crowd.

[@BananaCounty]

It took me enormous amount of times to be able to listen o this without braking down.

[@callumabbott452]

This can make anyone think. A truly beautiful and sombre poem.

[@liam2x4]

Tony for you to say that after watching a video displaying this beautiful work of art that this man has spoke I am astonished. You need to take your judgement else wear, open your heart up a little bigger. This guy could be bigger than the room he's standing in and I would still applaud and still love him for he has blessed my ears and mind with an amazing poem about a boy he met in the hospital.

[@stillsleeping1080]

i understood each and every word he said, no matter how fast or slow, no matter how loud or silent.

[@MarioKL]

This man is the Wordsmith of the XXI Century. His speech and flow of the words comes out perfectly natural! My new favourite!

[@shibuubity]

I wish I could look people's hearts because this man's heart must be beautiful.

[@Phiefthephiefer]

Wise intimidate unwise. Love intimidates absence of love. This is why some will dislike Shane. Unwise and absence of love are best to be avoided like pilons apearing on your way. That's all. Thank you Shane for your epic poetry. It is beyond any description. "We might not remember what you said, but we will always remember how you made us feel" : ) ( source unknown)

[@michaelblake908]

Shane has a way of taking simple and complex parts of humanity and weaving them into an eloquent tapestry. Moves me every single time.

[@spinaltapblues]

That last line... such a beautiful flourish. I'm in tears.

[@GamedayPlayer10]

This poem is simply amazing!

[@AirShark95]

No weapon on earth can match the power of this man's words.

[@zeppelinbeast]

this has to be one of the best sets of words that i have ever heard!

[@luvnkyndns]

Shane, thank you for the good work you do in the world

[@Jconner6986]

I literally CRIED this man lives every second with more conviction than most people have in their entire lives. Amazing poem!

[@chance666]

Every damn time I cry. This man has a gift!

[@darafeth]

And I actually just burst into tears.

[@qrkytrtl5770]

that line "ice cream can't make everything ok" is really what hits me hard. can't listen to this without tearing up

[@Tim1dslayer]

Picture me, bundled up in my chair, trying desperately not to break away from the reality that a young boy had been wrestling cancer. I was stunned, at times forgetting to breath, and hoping this was just another movie scene that moves an audience but the bitter truth is it wasn't and I was shaken down to the core.

[@zacaroo100]

made me cry... Like I cried when I read "Visiting Hours". What an amazing poet this guy is. If you haven't yet, run out and buy Visiting Hours. You will see how beautiful his words are. I envy the ability to articulate thoughts in such a beautiful way. Well done Shane Koyczan!

[@JeLLyB0x3r]

I'm watching this off that challenge, but just getting it out there, it gives itself to more people, like me, who are totally in awe in the beauty of this piece. I'm glad this video was on the list, otherwise I never would've seen it.

[@sirfancyrabbit]

Usually I think i'd agree with you, but in this instance the challenge helped me discover this utterly beautiful video which helped me appreciate my life so much more, and if it's helping others do the same, i think it's worth keeping it on the playlist, just so more people can realize how precious life can be

[@akat8184]

he is gifted&raw! This moves me every time as well.

[@artillujas]

I feel like Shane can just tap into what people feel, and it doesn't matter who you are you'll come out of this poem with a heavier heart and an enlightened mind.

[@Impartial15]

Absolutely brilliant. I've watched it so many times.

[@Krunch907]

His words just float through your mind. Really makes you think. Love it.

[@akmediascope]

I am weeping now. Beautiful.

[@bennourse1]

Thank you Shane for your beautiful words. They give me strength and bring me to tears more than I care to own up to.

[@MrSmash87]

Absolutely AMAZING!

[@BestofOpTic]

this is my far the best spoken poem i have heard. just plain Beautiful.

[@MsCheyenneStarz]

Tears, tears are in my eyes.

[@Canpunkrocker]

Made me cry AMAZING!!!

[@TheDeafKiwee]

did this for a project in drama class.....it means sooo much to me, thank-you shane for making such amazing poetry :) it helps soooo much

[@sweetzombielover]

What a gift to have you share your gift... thank you

[@stendec73]

Ah man that last line........this guys a genius.

[@armidylano44]

absolutely incredible

[@theapaddict]

stunning and heartfelt.

[@TheValSawyer]

That is the most moving thing I've experienced in a long time. Thank you so much, Shane Koyczan, you are a master.